Symphonie III

Wilhelm Killmayer’s symphony engages with symphonic form of the late-nineteenth century, employing the familiar symphonic tonal language of the Classical-Romantic period. Killmayer makes a programmatic reference to human fate through the title Menschen-Los [man’s lot in life], and throughout the symphony theatrically illustrates emotions relating to the progression of life.

A short peculiar form of ‘Happy Birthday’ introduces the playful period of youth, which develops energetically through the ‘middle of life’, before reaching the concluding phrase and silence falls.